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Diagnosing Turbo Health - Physical Inspection

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Old 07-09-07, 03:19 PM
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Diagnosing Turbo Health - Physical Inspection

Shaft play is easy, but how can you tell by looking at the turbo's that they are leaking/consuming oil?

I believe my set to be completely sound, but I won't know until I get them out of the car (never any noise, boost or smoke issues).

Someone have a write up on what to look for? I don't want to sell a faulty set of turbo's.

Thanks!

Steve
Old 07-09-07, 09:00 PM
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I think if there is oil puddled in the low points of the intake piping then you have a leaker.

If there is oil smoke when you let off hard throttle, you have a leaker.

Otherwise I'd say that's about all you can do.

Dave
Old 07-11-07, 10:39 AM
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Thanks Dave. I'll yank them and take a look.
Old 07-11-07, 11:56 AM
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You should be able to tell if the turbos are leaking from how sludgy the housings are. If you take off each housing, you can see any oil leakage very clearly.
Old 07-11-07, 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by dgeesaman
I think if there is oil puddled in the low points of the intake piping then you have a leaker.

If there is oil smoke when you let off hard throttle, you have a leaker.

Otherwise I'd say that's about all you can do.

Dave
When i was getting my car tuned, I noticed that everytime after let off throttle, alittle black smoke would puff out. Is this a symptom of oil leaking from my turbos, thus bad turbos?
Old 07-11-07, 02:26 PM
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^ Black smoke = fuel (too rich). A little puff of black smoke during shifts is pretty normal.

blue = oil
white = coolant
Old 07-11-07, 02:37 PM
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yea i get some blusih smoke on start up, and when i was getting my car tuned i notice (after thinking the motor blew because i didnt notice the color of smoke) smoke from the second turbo.. but i still get great boost.

now here is the question, if they go, will it harm the engine? and is the leak fixable or do they have to be rebuilt?
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